Apple is expected to release iOS 16 on Monday, September 12 as a free update for iPhone 8 and later. iOS 16 has many new features, from a customizable lock screen to the ability to temporarily edit or cancel iMessages.
To install iOS 16 when an update is released, open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap General → Software Update. Check out our list below of six useful new features to try after updating your iPhone to iOS 16.
Lock screen customization
The main new feature in iOS 16 is the ability to customize the lock screen with layered wallpapers, widgets, custom date and time fonts, and more. You can also choose a set of photos to display on the lock screen throughout the day
The new lock screen gallery showcases a range of lock screen options, including a new weather wallpaper with live weather conditions and an astronomy wallpaper featuring views of the Earth, moon and solar system. iOS 16 adds support for multiple lock screen themes, so you can switch between your favorites with a single tap.
Related: How to Customize Lock Screen in iOS 16
Edit or cancel iMessage
iOS 16 adds the ability to temporarily edit or discard iMessages and mark iMessage conversations as unread after opening them.
Apple lets you edit up to 15 minutes after sending an iMessage, allowing up to five edits per message. Recipients can see a history of changes made to the message, and on devices with iOS 15 or earlier, modified messages appear as a new message with the content “Changed to” [new message]. “
To edit or cancel sending a message, simply tap and hold a bubble and select the appropriate option from the menu that appears. Edited iMessages are marked as “Changed” under the message bubble. SMS messages (green bubbles) cannot be edited or sent.
Use the full screen music player
iOS 16 reintroduces a full-screen music player on the lock screen with large album art and color-coordinated backgrounds.
Apple last introduced a full-screen music player on the iOS 10 lock screen in 2016. If you don’t like the feature, you can tap the bottom of the screen to minimize the music player and go back to the default lock screen wallpaper. .
Games with Nintendo Joy-Cons
iPhones iOS 16 adds support for several additional Bluetooth game controllers, including Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons and Pro Controllers. iPhones running iOS 16 can be used with a controller on the left or right, or both as a single controller at the same time.
This is in addition to the iPhone’s current compatibility with PS5 DualSense and Xbox Series X controllers since the release of iOS 14.5 last year.
Apple Pay Order Tracking
Apple Pay in iOS 16 offers new integrated order tracking information in the Wallet app for online orders completed with Apple Pay. The tracker gives the order’s expected delivery date and shows when the package is ready for delivery.
Lock your ring without Apple Watch
As of iOS 16, the Fitness app is now available to all iPhone users, even those without an Apple Watch. The app has a daily activity loop that relies on the iPhone’s motion sensors to estimate how many calories a person burns each day and steps taken.
During the iPhone 14 event, Apple announced that its Fitness+ service for iPhone users without Apple Watch will be available later this year in the 21 countries where the service is available. Fitness+ costs $9.99 per month or $79.99 per year
